The Press Release — what works, what doesn’t

Before a fashion designer (and most start-ups these days) will turn to advertising or other traditional forms of marketing these days, they are most likely to use PR first. Why? Because of the broad reach and cost efficiencies PR is capable of delivering.So for those of you first embarking on a PR campaign, or maybe just starting to send press releases, here’s some do’s and don’t’s.

Don’t – Waste the time of the recipient of the Press Release

Spew of a lot of press releases just to make “noise” – they are not appreciated by editors and will not be read and when you have something that’s really important, guess what? Straight into the trash.
– Noisy press releases include, so-and-so has just joined the firm as CFO. If so-and-so isn’t well known, it’s not newsworthyMeander around and tell a long story with the point, or news nugget, at the very end.
– If I gave an example here, you’d be asleep or gone by the time you hit the third lineAssume the recipient understands your industry’s jargon
– Jargon-type press releases include, The CFO of LIMA is a featured speaker on the USPTO IP panel at FSLV.

Do – Get to the bottom line(s) quickly

Create a catchy, SHORT, newsworthy headline which gives the bottom line in it – like a news story headline.
– LVMH Gives Middle Finger To Hermes, Acquires More Shares Despite Enormous FineIf you have an existing relationship with an editor, separate their press release from the rest and customize it
– Susan, I think this information will be useful to the article you’re preparingMake sure to put in quotes from key players in the action – it increases likelihood of the quote and point being picked up
– LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault had this to say about the situation….

For other tips, all necessary to create a powerful press release, and to increase your branding, check out the two links below.